Top Nine Insurance Companies in Bahrain for Expats
Reliable health insurance is vital for expats in Bahrain. Top providers include Cigna, Allianz Care, Bupa Global, AXA Global, and DavidShield Group, who all offer comprehensive international plans tailored to the unique needs of expats.
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These top nine providers offer peace of mind with broad medical networks and plans ranging from basic to extensive. In this article we’ll outline the offerings from each of these providers to ensure you find coverage that fits your lifestyle and healthcare needs.
Leading International Health Insurance Companies in Bahrain
The top nine insurance companies in Bahrain for expats include Cigna, Allianz Care, Bupa Global, AXA Global, DavidShield Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global, IMG International, VUMI, and William Russel.
- Cigna
- Allianz Care
- Bupa Global
- AXA Global
- DavidShield Group
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Global
- IMG International
- VUMI
- William Russell
Cigna: Comprehensive Health Coverage for Expats in Bahrain
Cigna Global is a leading insurance provider offering policies in over 200 markets and territories around the world. The four core international health insurance plans Cigna Global offers include: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Close Care.
Among the four core international health insurance plans, the Close Care plan acts more like a local plan and only provides coverage in your country of residence and home country. As such, the benefits and annual limit are not as comprehensive as the other plans offered.
Cigna Global international health insurance plans table of core benefits:
| Cigna Health Insurance Plans: Core Benefits (USD) | ||||
| Coverage Benefits | Silver | Gold | Platinum | Close Care |
| Annual Limit Amount | USD $1,000,000 | USD $2,000,000 | Unlimited | USD $500,000 |
| Coverage Area | Worldwide | Worldwide | Worldwide | Country of residence |
| Inpatient and Daypatient Treatment | Paid in full for a private room | Paid in full for a private room | Paid in full for a private room | Paid in full for a semi-private room |
| Hospital Accommodation for Parents or Guardian | USD $1,000 | USD $1,000 | Paid in full | Not covered |
| Pandemics, Epidemics, and Outbreaks of Infectious Diseases | Paid in full | Paid in full | Paid in full | Paid in full |
| Inpatient Cash Benefit | USD $100 | USD $100 | USD $100 | USD $100 |
| Accident and ER Treatment | USD $500 | USD $1,000 | USD $1,200 | Not covered |
| Advanced Medical Imaging | $10,000 | $15,000 | Paid in full | USD $2,500 |
| Rehabilitation | USD $5,000 | USD $10,000 | Paid in full | USD $2,000 |
| Home Nursing | USD $2,500 | USD $5,000 | Paid in full | Not covered |
| Ambulance Services | Paid in full | Paid in full | Paid in full | Paid in full (road only) |
| Out-of-Area Emergency Hospitalization | USD $100,000 | USD $250,000 | Paid in full | USD $40,000 (for temporary trips out of the country) |
Allianz Care: Tailored Insurance Plans for Expats in Bahrain
As a world-leading health insurance provider, Allianz Care is one of the top choices for expats in Bahrain for international health insurance plans. The core international health insurance plans Allianz Care offers include the Care Base plan, the Care Enhanced plan, and the Care Signature plan.
Among the international plans available, the Care Signature plan offers the most comprehensive coverage with the highest limit of USD $5,000,000. Below is a table of comparison showing the limits and core coverage of each plan:
| Allianz Care Expat Health Insurance Plans: Core Benefits (USD) | |||
| Benefits Coverage | Care Base | Care Enhanced | Care Signature |
| Maximum Plan Limit | USD $1,350,000 | USD $2,700,000 | USD $5,000,000 |
| Type of Room | Private | Private | Private |
| Inpatient / Day-Care | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Medical Evacuation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Preventive Surgery | ✗ | USD $20,150 | USD $40,500 |
| Emergency Out-Patient Treatment | USD $338 | USD $1,015 | USD $2,025 |
Bupa Global: International Health Insurance Benefits in Bahrain
Bupa Global is one of the top insurance companies in Bahrain. Their localized customer service and 24/7 medical help through Bupa’s Global Virtual Care make them a great option for expats in Bahrain.
All Bupa policyholders can enjoy excellent benefit provisions across all plan tiers, including:
- An extensive network of providers
- Direct billing
- Customized insurance plans
- Second medical opinions
- Lifetime renewal
- Direct access to specialists without referral
- Coverage for two children under 10 at no additional cost
- Online and in-app access to support services through MembersWorld
The table below shows the annual plan limit and the coverage of Bupa’s international health insurance for expats:
| Bupa Global Health Plans: Core Benefits (USD) | ||||
| Private Hospital Room Coverage | Medical Repatriation Coverage | Medical Evacuation Coverage | Outpatient Prescriptions | |
| Major Medical | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Select | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Premier | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Elite | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
AXA Global: Flexible Coverage for Expats in Bahrain
AXA Global Healthcare is a renowned brand with over 50 years of experience offering insurance solutions to more than 95 million clients in 50 countries. This makes AXA a great choice for expats looking for wide coverage and flexibility in their health insurance plans.
AXA’s international insurance plans include the Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus. The annual plan limits range from USD $160,000 to USD $8,000,000. The key features of their international health insurance plans are:
- Experienced 24/7 personal support
- Evacuation and repatriation coverage
- Ambulance transport
- Telehealth service
- CT, PET, and MRI scans
- Rapid claims repay
- Second medical opinion
- Cancer treatments
- Mind health support
- Inpatient hospital charges and surgeries
Below is a table of comparison showing the maximum annual limits for AXA’s international health insurance plans:
| Foundation | Standard | Comprehensive | Prestige | Prestige Plus | |
| Annual Benefit Limit: | USD $160,000 | USD $1,600,000 | USD $2,400,000 | USD $3,200,000 | USD $8,000,000 |
DavidShield Group: Easy and Efficient Health Insurance for Expats in Bahrain
DavidShield Group is a leading international private medical insurance provider in the insurance industry providing services to customers in over 150 countries. Leveraging their strategic alliances with healthcare providers worldwide, they are one of the top options for expats in Bahrain.
DavidShield offers policyholders extensive medical coverage and their smart card, DavidCard, which allows policyholders to make payments for healthcare services without out-of-pocket payments.
For policyholders with the US and worldwide coverage, cost-sharing options are also available to optimize your experience during the policy lifetime.
DavidShield Group also offers the PassportCard. PassportCard is a great insurance option for expats in Bahrain due to how easy policyholders can make claims and have them settled in real time, eliminating the need for out-of-pocket payments, complicated claim forms, and lengthy approvals.
Benefits of PassportCard insurance plans:
- Instant Payouts: When seeing a doctor abroad, policyholders can dial the number on the back of their PassportCard. The system will calculate the costs instantly and transfer the money straight onto your card, which can then be used like a normal debit card when accessing medical care.
- No Paperwork Required: PassportCard is the only travel insurer that can settle claims in real-time.
- Reactivation: To activate the PassportCard, all policyholders need to contact the insurer before going abroad to activate the policy for a set length of time. This step can be repeated every time you go abroad.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global: Global Coverage for Expats in Bahrain
In addition to travel insurance plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global offers the Xplorer Essential and the Xplorer Premier expat health insurance plans that offer comprehensive international health coverage with an extensive network of providers across over 180 countries.
One of the key differences between the two plans is coverage in the US. The Xplorer Premier comes with comprehensive medical benefits internationally, including the US. On the other hand, the Xplorer Essential plan offers US coverage as an add-on.
For expats who don’t plan to visit or return to the US, the Xplorer Essential is a great option to get access to international coverage.
Whilst the coverage for both plans differs, all Blue Cross Blue Shield Global members have access to the following benefits outside of the US:
- Unlimited telemedicine visits
- Optional dental and vision coverage
- Immediate coverage of pre-existing conditions with proof of previous coverage
- A waived deductible for prescriptions, office visits, and preventative care
Both the Xplorer Essential and the Xplorer Premier plans feature a range of deductible options, providing you with effective solutions to manage your premium costs.
| Xplorer US Plans: Core Benefits (USD) | ||
| Xplorer Essential with Add-on | Xplorer Premier | |
| Medical Maximum Benefit Amount | USD $1,000,000 | Unlimited |
| Coverage Duration within the United States (for US Citizens) | Maximum of three trips per calendar year, 21 days per trip | Capped at nine months |
| Preventive Care within the US | Not covered | Yes |
| Ability to Travel to the US for Treatment | No | Yes |
| Outpatient Prescription Drug Coverage | USD $1,000 for prescriptions only related to emergency medical care, illness, and accidental injury | USD $2,500 for Basic Benefit Package, USD $25,000 with Enhanced Prescription Upgrade |
| Outpatient Mental Health Benefits within the US | Not covered | In-network: 100% after $30 copay; Out-of-network: 60% |
| US Benefits for Covered Pre-existing Condition | USD $500 | Unlimited |
| Copay for each US In-Network Physician Office Visit | USD $50 | USD $30 |
IMG International: Affordable Health Plans for Expats in Bahrain
IMG Global Health’s international health insurance plan is available in four different categories of coverage: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Lifetime limits vary across these plans, with a maximum limit of up to USD $8,000,000 per individual.
All IMG Global international health insurance plans have a nonrenewable lifetime limit. As such, the premium is more affordable than that of other insurance companies; those looking to relocate should consider a more sustainable plan.
The benefits provided by IMG are comprehensive, with coverage for inpatient, prescription coverage, cancer treatment, and medical emergencies. You can also opt to add riders such as dental, vision, maternity, and even sports coverage, depending on your plan level.
Here’s a comparison of the core benefits provided by IMG’s international health insurance of different tiers:
| IMG Health Insurance Plans: Core Benefits (USD) | ||||
| Benefits Coverage | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
| Physician Visits | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hospitalization room/board | ✓ | USD $600 per day; 240 days max | ✓ | ✓ |
| Surgery | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Labs & X-rays | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Physical therapy | ✓ | ✓ | USD $50 Maximum limit per visit | USD $50 Maximum limit per visit |
| Outpatient Surgery | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cancer Treatment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
VUMI: VIP Insurance Plans for Expats in Bahrain
VUMI offers international health insurance policies such as the Global Flex VIP plan for expats. The Global Flex plans have five different tiers: Basic, Standard, Superior, Ultra, and Total.
All the Global Flex VIP plans include inpatient benefits, including:
- Standard private hospital room fully covered
- Fully covered intensive care unit stays
- Accommodations for an adult accompanying an insured child under age 18 during the child’s hospitalization
- Medications prescribed while in the hospital are fully covered
- Psychiatric treatments are fully covered for up to 30 days
Eligibility and special conditions expats need to know when applying for Global Flex VIP plans:
- Applicants must be aged 74 years or younger
- Declared pre-existing conditions may be covered. This benefit will be evaluated during underwriting.
- HIV/AIDS may be covered by VUMI’s Global Flex VIP Plans after a 36-month waiting period with a benefit limit of up to USD $50,000.
- Routine maternity coverage has a 12-month waiting period through VUMI’s applicable Global Flex VIP Plans.
- Injuries that occur while training or practicing hazardous sports and hobbies are excluded from coverage.
Below is a table showing the annual benefit limits of each tier in the Global Flex VIP Plans:
| Global Flex VIP Plan | Annual Benefit Limit |
| Basic | USD $3,000,000 |
| Standard | USD $3,500,000 |
| Superior | USD $4,000,000 |
| Ultra | USD $4,500,000 |
| Total | USD $5,000,000 |
William Russell: Customizable Health Insurance for Expats in Bahrain
Known for providing comprehensive and customizable international health insurance, William Russell is a great option for expats in Bahrain looking to get insured. Their international health insurance plans are available in four tiers: Bronze, Silver Lite, Silver, and Gold.
From inpatient and outpatient treatments to wellness and maternity benefits, William Russell’s international health insurance will have coverage for all these expenses up to the policy limit. Below are the core insurance coverage for the four tiers:
| Benefits Coverage | Bronze | Silver Lite | Silver | Gold |
| Annual Benefit Limit | USD $1,500,000 | USD $1,500,000 | USD $2,500,000 | USD $5,000,000 |
| Hospital Treatments | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advanced Diagnostic Tests | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cancer Treatment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lifetime Limit for Mental Health Treatment | US $50,000 | ✗ | US $75,000 | US $100,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance mandatory for expats in Bahrain?
Under the Sehati program, employers must provide a basic insurance package covering primary care and emergencies. Many expats choose private plans for broader benefits like specialist care, maternity, and dental.
What types of health insurance plans are available?
Plans range from basic coverage for essential care to comprehensive international packages. These can include specialist visits, maternity, dental, and worldwide treatment options, allowing expats to tailor coverage to their lifestyle and needs.
Can I use my international health insurance outside Bahrain?
Most global insurers, such as Cigna, Allianz, and Bupa, offer worldwide coverage. Benefits vary, so it’s important to check your policy’s geographic limits, exclusions, and emergency support to ensure you’re protected when traveling abroad.
What happens if I change jobs in Bahrain?
Your new employer must provide coverage under Sehati. If you prefer continuity or broader benefits, you can maintain a private plan independent of your employer, ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare services during transitions.
Who regulates insurance in Bahrain?
The insurance sector is regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), which oversees insurers and ensures compliance with the country’s financial framework.
Can expats access public healthcare facilities in Bahrain?
Expats can use public hospitals and primary care centers. However, under the Sehati national health program, employers must provide a basic insurance package. Public care often involves longer wait times, and specialized treatments may require referrals or private coverage.
How do I find network healthcare providers in Bahrain?
Most insurers now maintain updated online directories of approved providers. You can access these through your insurer’s portal or by contacting customer support. Having this list helps avoid unexpected costs and ensures smooth claims processing.
Conclusion
Health insurance is mandatory for expats in Bahrain, but securing a health insurance plan is more than just satisfying the health insurance requirements. Comprehensive health insurance can also offer expats peace of mind during their stay.
If you are interested in securing an international health insurance plan, check our guide on the top 10 international health insurance providers. If you are interested in securing an international health insurance plan, you need information on some of the best providers.
If you want to secure an international health insurance plan to protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses, Pacific Prime can help you. With over two decades of experience, our expert advisors can help you find a comprehensive plan that suits your needs and requirements.
Contact us today for a free plan comparison and an obligation-free quote!
At Pacific Prime, Grace focuses on simplifying complex concepts on international health insurance to make these topics easily accessible and understandable for our target audience. Being a Filipino born in Hong Kong, she understands the struggles of most immigrants and expats in finding the right insurance solutions while in another country. Her goal is to redefine most people’s perception of insurance, that it is an investment for one’s protection and future.
In her spare time, Grace is either at home or at Hong Kong Disneyland. She loves reading, watching movies and K-dramas, and attending dance classes.
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